Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/292

 Who didst  exalt  King  David,  a man  according to  thy  own  heart,  by  the  praise  of his  justice,  meekness,  and  piety,

Who didst  distinguish  Solomon  above  all the kings  of  the  earth,  by  his  wonderful wisdom, peace,  and  glory,

Who didst  adorn  Tobias  with  signal  patience, and  pity  to  his  neighbours,

Who didst  ennoble  Judith,  a widow  of  signal chastity  and  piety,  with  confidence in prayer,  and  with  glorious  greatness  of soul,

Who savedst  thy  people  from  destruction by the  faithfulness  of  Esther  and  Mardochai,

Who madest  Job,  by  his  rare  and  wonderful patience,  a mirror  and  example  of patience  to  us  all,

Who didst  arm  Elias  the  prophet  with  signal zeal  and  boldness  of  spirit  against false prophets,  and  impious  men,

Who didst  infuse  into  King  Josias  a holy zeal for  law  and  religion,

Who didst  adorn  the  prophet  Daniel  with signal abstinence,  sobriety,  and  wisdom, Who madest  the  three  children,  for  their confession of  thee,  fearlessly  to  enter  the furnace of  burning  fire,  and  to  come  out unhurt,

Who didst  arm  Matathias  and  Judas  Machabaeus  against  their  enemies  with  singular zeal  and  love  for  the  law  and  religion of  their  country,

Who madest  the seven  Machabees  and  their mother unconquered  amidst  their  torments.

Who hast  chosen  the  most  holy  Virgin Mary, free  from  all  sin,  to  be  thy most pure Spouse  and  Mother,

Who hast  adorned  her  above  all  the  rest of thy  elect  with  the  special  privilege of chastity,  humility,  obedience,  and  all virtues,

Who by  thy  coming  didst  wonderfully  comfort the  aged  Simeon,  a just  and  devout